Ten Hag's Leverkusen Era Begins as Antony Saga Takes New Twist
It’s a big moment in European football this week as Bayer Leverkusen step into a new era, and another dramatic chapter unfolds in Manchester United’s ongoing transfer saga with Brazilian winger Antony. Let's dive into what's happening.
Erik ten Hag officially takes charge at Bayer Leverkusen, making his debut on the touchline in a friendly against Flamengo’s U20 side in Brazil. This match, while just a preseason fixture, carries symbolic weight. It marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for Leverkusen after the departure of Xabi Alonso, who guided the club to a domestic double before joining Real Madrid. The training camp in Rio de Janeiro offers a warm welcome to Ten Hag, quite literally, as the team arrived to sunny beaches, a vibrant atmosphere, and the buzz of expectation surrounding the Dutch tactician.
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At the same time, the name Bayer Leverkusen is making waves off the pitch as well. The club is reportedly one of several showing interest in Manchester United’s out-of-favor winger, Antony. The 25-year-old had a successful loan spell at Real Betis last season, where he managed 9 goals and 5 assists in 26 appearances—numbers that have reignited interest across Europe, including from RB Leipzig, Brighton, Newcastle, and yes, Bayer Leverkusen.
Initially, United were said to be open to letting Antony go for as little as £20-30 million after failing to meet expectations since his £85 million transfer from Ajax. But with multiple clubs showing interest, United have now raised their asking price back up to around £50 million. It’s a notable shift, considering just weeks ago, Antony seemed like a clear candidate for a cut-price exit.
Interestingly, Antony himself isn’t in a rush. He’s reportedly focused on finding a destination that offers stability and a clear vision for his role—qualities he felt at Betis. Still, the ball is now in United’s court. They’ve slashed the price slightly for Betis, down to around £26-30 million, in hopes of completing a deal that may involve another loan with an obligation to buy. Betis are pushing hard, and Antony is even willing to take a wage cut to make it happen.
Back in Leverkusen, Ten Hag has his hands full. Not only must he integrate into a squad still adjusting after high-profile departures like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, and Jonathan Tah to Bayern, but he’s also tasked with proving that Leverkusen can remain a title contender under his leadership. With the club netting €175 million from sales, the pressure to reinvest wisely is immense—and someone like Antony could still enter the equation if things shift.
The next few weeks are pivotal. Antony’s future hangs in the balance, while Leverkusen’s new direction under Ten Hag takes shape. Whether these two stories converge remains to be seen, but both are worth watching very closely.
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